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30th FSS wins AF-level award

By Airman 1st Class Robert J. Volio, 30th Space Wing Public Affairs / Published May 15, 2015

Members of the 30th Force Support Squadron force development flight pose for a photo, May 13, 2015, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The 30th FSS was recently announced as a winner of the 2014 Air Force-level Manpower, Personnel and Service Awards for their consistent achievements in providing and managing educational and training programs during the fiscal year. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Robert J. Volio/Released)
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Members of the 30th Force Support Squadron force development flight pose for a photo, May 13, 2015, Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The 30th FSS was recently announced as a winner of the 2014 Air Force-level Manpower, Personnel and Service Awards for their consistent achievements in providing and managing educational and training programs during the fiscal year. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Airman 1st Class Robert J. Volio/Released)

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VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- The 30th Force Support Squadron was recently announced as a winner of the Air Force-level 2014 Manpower, Personnel and Service Awards.

For their consistent achievements in providing and managing educational and training programs during the fiscal year, the 30th FSS received the Nathan Altschuler Outstanding Education and Training Program award.

"I am honored and very proud that we were chosen for this award," said Barbara Bennie, 30th FSS force development flight chief. "The award highlights the caliber of educational professionals that continually dedicate themselves and strive every day to ensure members are prepared to reach their educational goals. We have dealt with some obstacles in our path, but our team never lacked in quality of service or dedication."

The award-winning educators didn't just meet the criteria for their achievement, they exceeded it.

"We had the highest percent of Community College of the Air Force graduates, making us number one in Air Force Space Command," said Bennie. "We administered 1,100 Weighted Airman Promotion System tests and 311 Career Development Course exams. We graduated 323 First Term Airmen, instructed 125 military members in Airman Leadership School and provided high-quality educational opportunities through numerous professional development courses."

Even more impressive about the award was how the team continued to contribute, despite a lack of manning.

"One of the bullets in their package identified their 30 percent manning shortage throughout the year, yet they still managed to pull together and accomplish the mission," said Chief Master Sgt. Kelli Widner, 30th FSS superintendent. "This particular team takes on responsibilities that may not be required of them, but because they see the need for the customer, they will go to great lengths to assist them."

The team's outstanding performance throughout the year has garnered them praise throughout Vandenberg.

"I feel very excited for my team," said Widner. "Everyone worked hard daily throughout the year to ensure the best service and programs for their customers. For them to be recognized at the Air Force-level goes to show you that they only do it for the love of their customers and not for any other reason."

Despite their accomplishments, the 30th FSS remain focused on their mission, the continuous education of Team V members.

"Vandenberg's Education Center has built a positive reputation because of committed employees taking extra time to go above and beyond for their customers," said Bennie. "We are here to make a difference, one student at a time."